The rhetorical miracle of the Qur'an, as seen in the works of alKhattabi and alRummani: "Explanation of the Miraculous Nature of the Qur'an" and "Subtleties in the Miraculous Nature of the Qur'an": A comparative analytical study

Abstract

Rhetorical inimitability stands as one of the most prominent facets of the Quran’s miraculous nature. It has been a subject of extensive study and scholarly interest among many experts in rhetoric, criticism, and Quranic inimitability, including Al-Khattabi (388 AH) and Al-Rummani (386 AH).

Al-Rummani shed light on ten specific categories of rhetoric, drawing comparisons between the Holy Quran and other texts to uncover the secrets and nuances of this rhetorical excellence, through which the Quran excelled—alongside other aspects of inimitability . On the other hand, Al-Khattabi believed that strictly following such categorizations was a form of imitation and mere conjecture. Al-khattabi  maintained that the Quran's inimitability lies in its unique composition  and specific style, which surpassed the eloquence of the Arabs through its unparalleled linguistic structure.

This study seeks to compare the perspectives of these two Imams regarding the rhetorical inimitability of the Quran. It aims to clarify the points of convergence and divergence, and explore the extent to which their theological doctrines influenced their views on rhetorical inimitability.